Kenny MacAskill hints at vote on Queen’s role if Scotland goes independent
ByDave Lord
Several SNP ministers have queried the Queens role after a Yes vote.
A senior SNP minister has sparked controversy by claiming voters could decide the Queen’s future in an independent Scotland.
The Scottish Government has said Her Majesty would remain as head of state if Scots vote Yes in the referendum in September.
But Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has broken ranks by suggesting “it will be for the people of Scotland to decide” on the Queen’s role if Scotland is no longer in the UK.
The comment, made at a public meeting last week, will cheer republican SNP supporters, which includes a number of ministers, but throws open an issue which Alex Salmond was hoping had been closed down.
A string of SNP ministers have raised the prospect of a referendum on ditching the Queen as head of state including Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell.
Opinion polls suggest the majority of Scots are in favour of the monarchy.
Kenny MacAskill hints at vote on Queen’s role if Scotland goes independent
